Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, is when an individual is thinking about ending their life or dying by suicide. Contrary to the stigma that is associated with suicidality, suicidal thoughts are common with many individuals experiencing these thoughts in times of stress or while coping with depression. In most cases, these thoughts are temporary and can be treated. However, sometimes these thoughts can put an individual at risk for attempting suicide. 

Suicidal ideation can occur when a person feels they are no longer able to cope with overwhelming feelings or situations. Thus, these types of thoughts may be triggered by the death of a loved one, financial problems, the ending of a relationship, experiencing a traumatic event, job loss, or the onset of an illness. 

A person experiencing suicidal thoughts may show the following signs or symptoms: 

• Feeling or appearing to feel trapped or hopeless 
• Feeling intense emotional pain 
• Having or appearing to have a preoccupation with violence, dying, or death 
• Exhibiting mood swings
• Talking about revenge, guilt, or shame 
• Often being in a heightened state of anxiety or agitation 
• Changes in personality, routine, or sleep patterns 
• Consuming substances (e.g. drugs or alcohol) more than usual or consuming substances when they did not do so before 
• Engaging in risky behaviours (e.g. driving recklessly, using substances) 
• Giving away possessions 
• Getting a hold of a gun, medications, or substances that could be used to end one’s life 
• Experience depression, panic attacks, or impaired concentration 
• Withdrawing from social contact, or wanting to be left alone 
• Stating that they feel as though they are a burden to others 
• Psychomotor agitation (e.g. pacing, wringing hands) 
• Saying goodbye to loved ones
• Inability to experience pleasurable emotions 
• Remorse and/or self-criticism 
• Speaking about suicide or dying (e.g. saying that they would be better off dead) 
• Expressing regret about being alive or having been born  

Suicidal ideation vs. Suicidal Intent 

Suicidal ideation means having thoughts about suicide and thoughts of wanting to take your own life, without having any actual plans to end your life. However, active suicidal ideation or suicidal intent, is not only thinking about it but having a plan on how you would end your life. When left untreated and unaddressed, suicidal ideation can quickly turn into intent.